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Her parents, Peter and Andrea King, have spoken of their daughter’s love for animals since the age of two, and said their daughter “lived and breathed” a job that meant the world to her.

In a statement issued by Cambridgeshire police on behalf of the family today (Thursday, June 1) Rosa’s parents said: “We would like to thank all those that have shown an abundance of love and sympathy at the passing of our beloved daughter.

“Rosa was a dedicated professional when it came to her work. She lived and breathed a vocation that meant the world to her, living her dream.

“She had a care and understanding of her animals that was a joy and privilege to behold.

Rosa King, 33, died after being mauled by a tiger at Hamerton Zoo, Cambridgeshire.

“As well as our daughter, Rosa was a big sister to her brother Mark, who like his parents, had nothing but love and admiration for her.

“Rosa was passionate about animals from the age of two when she first sat on the back of a horse. After that, her life was always going to be about animals.

“She lived her life to the full and was a very caring, generous person.”

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Rosa’s parents added that their daughter would stand up for those who couldn't stand up for themselves, including the animals, and had also campaigned and raised money for animal charities.

They said: “Rosa completed a skydive in 2014 to raise money for Animal Asia and then travelled to China to visit the sanctuary for Moon bears, to see for herself the work they do. Just recently, she returned from a visit to a Sun bear rehabilitation centre in Borneo.”

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Peter and Andrea said Rosa’s whole attitude to the animal kingdom is probably best summed up in the statement: “When I look into the eyes of an animal I do not see an animal. I see a living being. I see a friend. I feel a soul.”